New program requires three-week assessment for cash assistance applicants

Applicants for cash assistance in Michigan will have to go through a new 21-day assessment.

The state Department of Human Services Wednesday said the program is meant to bolster applicants’ job prospects.

The PATH program will replace a less intensive job training program.

DHS spokesman Dave Akerly said many people can’t find or keep a job because they have trouble finding child care and transportation.

“We need to address this when they come in to apply—either for the very first time or on a reapplication—and make sure that these problems and barriers are brought to the forefront before they make that step in to try to actually secure employment,” he said.

Akerly said the state risks tens of millions of dollars in federal penalties if it doesn’t do a better job helping people on welfare find employment.

Some advocacy groups say the state can’t really make a dent in the problem without spending more money to help people find and keep jobs.

Stateside talks with Ron French and Lester Graham about changes to welfare in Michigan.

Nine months after a Michigan welfare reform was implemented, the number of Michigan families receiving state checks plummeted to the lowest level in more than 40 years.

More than 9,000 Michigan families were removed from cash assistance last fall, a number that has recently grown to 15,000.

Ron French, writer for Bridge Magazine, addressed the cuts.

“Last fall, the legislature reformed welfare in a way that put time limits on welfare recipients. The legislature wanted to enforce a limit of 48 months on welfare recipients. The legislature and governor wanted to move more people to the workforce," said French.

"But what happened is that the Department of Human Services took it a step further and really kicked off more people than would have been otherwise."